images

The Pleiades star cluster

by

J.Lodriguss/Novapix

Reference

a-aou90-00002

Date

2006-05-07

Object number 45 in Messier's catalog is the Pleiades, also know as the Seven Sisters for the seven stars that can be easily seen with excellent eyesight.The Pleiades is a relatively nearby open cluster, which according to new data from the Hipparcos satellite is located at a distance of 370 light years. The cluster is surrounded by blue nebulosity illuminated by the light reflected from the nearby stars. Astro-Physic's 130EDT F/8 Triplet Refractor working at f/6 two 20 minute exposures.